What's It For?
The latest version of Scarpa's classic Manta winter boot is designed primarily for all-round winter mountain use and, particularly, for wear above the snowline and with crampons. It's aimed at general mountaineering and easy winter routes which don't require extended front pointing on steep terrain.
Although boots of this kind are often dubbed 'four-season' with the implication that they can be used all year round, the reality is that despite Scarpa's guidelines of use between 25C and -7.5C, they're best saved for full-on winter cramponing use.
The Techy Bits
The Manta's been around for years now getting beefier and burlier with every new incarnation, this year's version though, has actually been trimed down with a claimed 10 per-cent weight saving over the previous version.
Most of the weight saving comes from the new Pro Fibre mid-sole unit - fibreglass instead of steel as before - and the Vibram Jorasses outsole, which also lower the boot slightly making it more stable on rough terrain, says Scarpa. There's also more PU cushioning for a slightly softer ride than before on hard ground.
Other features include Scarpa's proven 360-degree ankle cuff which works brilliantly for crampon use where ankle mobility is the key to keeping as many points in contact with the snow as possible.
Finally, the B2-rated boot is now compatible with the GSb crampon system, which uses a prong in slot front mounting system instead of a conventional toe bail. Scarpa recommends the Grivel Air Tech GSb, but you could also use a crampon with a front cradle system if you you prefer.
How They Performed
Let's get one thing straight first - the Manta has won a string of magazine test awards, but if it doesn't fit your foot, it's as good as useless to you and fully-stiffened boots are unforgiving when it comes to fit, heels lift and rub more easily and, feet slide around more, so try carefully and trust your boot fitter before buying.
Scarpa's last has always suited large-ish volume, typically British feet, but the new DL last - DLL for women - as used on the Mirage - does seem to have given the latest Manta a slightly closer but still comfortable fit and with some careful lacing, we were able to get a snug but comfortable fit on the OM test foot.
The boot does feel noticeably lighter than before, though the Mirage, with its fabric uppers is is still 100 grammes per boot less weighty. It's not as precise as a lighter boot, but then its raison d'etre is provide a solid platform for crampon use and for kicking hard into neve slopes.
As usual, we found the 360-degree ankle cuff excellent. Even with the ankles laced up snug, there was still enough mobility to keep thing comfortable and precise underfoot where the fully stiffened sole unit gives good all-round grip and enough of a saw-toothed edge to kick slashes into hard snow slopes.
The full rand is reassuring too and overall build quality, as you'd expect from Scarpa, seems excellent with high quality leather and fittings throughout. The leather is proofed and resists damp well, though will need regular re-treating to keep it happy and functional.
A quick crampon trial, non GSb suggests that the boot is idea for crampon use - stiff soled for support, comfortable but supportive uppers and enough flex at the ankle cuff to keep those points in contact with the snow and ice. So no worries on that front. The GSB slot, by the way, is plugged as standard, but the blank is easy to remove with a pair of needle-nosed pliers.
Without crampons, the new Mantas are, as you'd expect, quite stiff underfoot. They're still eminenty useable for walking and some people will also love the fully-stiffened sole unit for edging on scrambles. Yes, you could use them for all-round, year-long walking, but beneath the snowline, they really are overkill and you'd bettter off with a pair of lightweight approach shoes or walking boots for use below the snowline.
The other alternative from the Scarpa stable, would be the Mirage GTX which does much the same job as the Manta but weighs around 200 grammes per pair less. We suspect the Manta with its leather uppers will be more durable in the long term, but over the course of a long day, you do start to notice extra weight underfoot.
Verdict
Lighter, better fitting and with the GSb crampon system as an option, the new Manta really is one of the most effective winter boots out there for anything from easy mountaineering through to easier Scottish climbs. It looks to have great build quality and combines decent comfort with a stable crampon platform.
On top of that, the ankle cuff gives enough flex for good crampon technique and the softer cushioning underfoot and easy-to-adjust lacing means they're also a viable all-day walking option if you insist.
We'd suggest though that they're best reserved for winter-only use, that you also consider the Mirage as a lighter option, unless you're a heavy user, and that while the Manta is a great boot and even better this year, you make very sure that it suits your foot shape before buying.
Buy if... you're looking for an all-round winter mountaineering boot for sustained crampon use but don't expect to be doing regular front pointing. And only if they suit your typically-British foot shape.
